Legislative Analysis
Phone: (517) 373-8080
PROHIBIT LOCAL GAS APPLIANCE BAN
http://www.house.mi.gov/hfa
House Bill 4575 (H-1) as reported from committee
Analysis available at
Sponsor: Rep. Michele Hoitenga http://www.legislature.mi.gov
Committee: Regulatory Reform
Complete to 9-26-21
SUMMARY:
House Bill 4575 would amend the Stille-DeRossett-Hale Single State Construction Code Act
to prohibit a local unit of government, notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary,
from adopting, maintaining, or enforcing an ordinance that prohibits the use of an appliance
that uses gas in a new or existing residential or commercial building or structure.
MCL 125.1513a
BACKGROUND AND BRIEF DISCUSSION:
Recently, a trend has emerged among local governments across the nation either to ban the
installation of gas appliances in new construction or major remodels or to require wiring that
would accommodate electric appliances. Reportedly, this is in an attempt to address climate
concerns and reduce carbon footprints. Although most common in California and Washington,
the trend is occurring in other states as well, with approximately 80 local governments across
the nation passing some form of law to reduce the use of gas appliances. An opposite trend is
also spreading in recent months. Approximately 22 states have either adopted or introduced
bills that would prohibit local governments from making building code changes that would ban
the use of gas appliances in new construction.
Supporters of initiatives to reduce reliance on fossil fuels in new construction or major
remodels cite research that shows not only an impact on global warming (gas appliances
account for 13% of greenhouse gas emissions), but also an impact on the occupants of a home
in which gas appliances are used. For instance, according to the Massachusetts Medical
Society, research over 30 years has revealed a connection between pediatric asthma and natural
gas stove use. Besides releasing carbon monoxide into the air, cooking on gas stoves also
releases respiratory irritants such as nitrogen dioxide and ultrafine particulate matter. Some
research suggests that children in homes with gas stove face a 24% increased risk of being
diagnosed with asthma over their lifetimes. Moreover, many feel that legislative attempts to
prohibit local ordinances from banning gas appliances represent an ongoing erosion of local
control. Residents in a rural community do not necessarily face the same risks from air
pollution as urban residents or high-density population areas, where many live in high-rise
apartments. Some feel that communities should be able to choose what is best for them.
Those opposed to local bans on gas appliances maintain that gas appliances provide an
affordable way for people to cook food and heat their homes. Many, especially with Michigan’s
cold winters, could not currently afford to heat their homes with electricity or to pay for the
conversion to electric wiring of a kitchen stove. Reportedly, about 84% of residents rely on
natural gas for heat and cooking. In addition, many commercial businesses, such as restaurants,
also use natural gas. Many chefs believe that cooking with gas provides a better product and
may be concerned that having to convert to electric appliances could negatively impact the
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 texture and taste of their dishes. With the current push to increase sales of electric vehicles, and
the recent growth of cryptocurrency, others worry about the drain on the electric grid. Further,
regarding air quality in a home, some say using an exhaust fan to ventilate to the outdoors,
supplementing with microwaves and toaster ovens, using HEPA air purifiers with carbon
filters, and opening windows to increase ventilation can mitigate negative impacts of gas stoves
and furnaces on occupants.
FISCAL IMPACT:
House Bill 4575 would not have an appreciable fiscal impact on any unit of state or local
government.
POSITIONS:
Representatives of the following entities testified in support of the bill (5-25-21):
• DTE Energy
• Michigan Chamber of Commerce
• Home Builders Association of Michigan
• UWUA
The following entities indicated support for the bill:
• National Federation of Independent Business (9-21-22)
• Michigan Restaurant and Lodging Association (5-25-21)
• Michigan Realtors (5-25-21)
• American Public Gas Association (5-25-21)
• WEC Energy Group (5-25-21)
• Michigan Electric and Gas Association (5-25-21)
• Michigan Oil and Gas Association (5-25-21)
The Department of Treasury indicated a neutral position on the bill. (5-25-21)
Representatives of the City of Ann Arbor testified in opposition to the bill. (5-25-21)
Representatives of the following entities indicated opposition to the bill:
• Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (9-21-22)
• Sierra Club (9-21-22)
• Michigan Environmental Council (9-21-22)
• Natural Resources Defense Council (9-21-22)
• Michigan League of Conservation Voters (5-25-21)
• City of Grand Rapids (5-25-21)
• Michigan Energy Innovation Business Council (5-25-21)
• Ecology Center (5-25-21)
Legislative Analyst: Susan Stutzky
Fiscal Analyst: Marcus Coffin
■ This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House Fiscal Agency staff for use by House members in their
deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.
House Fiscal Agency HB 4575 (H-1) as reported Page 2 of 2


Statutes affected:
House Introduced Bill: 125.1513
As Passed by the House: 125.1513